U.S. patent application number 11/323492 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for device and associated system for mobilization of the back.
Invention is credited to Thomas Andrew Fink.
Application Number | 20060149174 11/323492 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36641571 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060149174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fink; Thomas Andrew |
July 6, 2006 |
Device and associated system for mobilization of the back
Abstract
A device 100 and associated system for facilitating convenient
and effective back mobilization of a clothed person is disclosed.
The device has a substantially cylindrical body 102 having two ends
104 and two cylindrical, radial surfaces 106, wherein the
cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions
108 into the ends proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces; and a
channel of reduced radius 110 approximately centered between the
ends of the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical, radial
surfaces make substantially smooth transitions 112 into the channel
proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces. The system further
includes a clothing retainer 200 for retaining clothing proximate
the body of the person. The person is able to mobilize the back
while moving the back along the cylindrical, radial surfaces of the
device causing the device to roll while the clothing retainer keeps
the clothing from underneath the rolling device as it rolls.
Inventors: |
Fink; Thomas Andrew;
(Dayton, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas Andrew Fink
3136 Indian Ripple Road
Dayton
OH
45440
US
|
Family ID: |
36641571 |
Appl. No.: |
11/323492 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60640618 |
Dec 31, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
601/121 ;
601/115; 601/118; 601/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2015/0028 20130101;
A61H 1/0292 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
601/121 ;
601/115; 601/118; 601/134 |
International
Class: |
A61H 15/00 20060101
A61H015/00 |
Claims
1. A system for facilitating convenient and effective back
mobilization of a clothed person having a body, the system
comprising: rolling means for mobilizing the back; and clothing
retainer means for retaining the clothing proximate the body of the
person; wherein the person is able to mobilize the back while
moving the back along the rolling means causing the rolling means
to roll while the retainer means keeps the clothing from underneath
the rolling means as it rolls.
2. A device for facilitating convenient and effective back
mobilization of a clothed person, the device comprising: a
substantially cylindrical body having two ends and two cylindrical,
radial surfaces, wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make
substantially smooth transitions into the ends proximate the
cylindrical, radial surfaces; and a channel of reduced radius
approximately centered between the ends of the cylindrical body,
wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth
transitions into the channel proximate the cylindrical, radial
surfaces.
3. The device of claim 2 having a cylinder length measured between
the two ends and a cylinder diameter, wherein a ratio of the
cylinder diameter to the cylinder length is between approximately
0.5 and 3.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the device is constructed of
plastic foam.
5. The device of claim 3 wherein the device is constructed of
flexible plastic inflatable with pressurized air.
6. A system for facilitating convenient and effective back
mobilization of a clothed person having a body, the system
comprising: a device for facilitating convenient and effective back
mobilization of a clothed person, the device comprising: a
substantially cylindrical body having two ends and two cylindrical,
radial surfaces, wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make
substantially smooth transitions into the ends proximate the
cylindrical, radial surfaces; and a channel of reduced radius
approximately centered between the ends of the cylindrical body,
wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth
transitions into the channel proximate the cylindrical, radial
surfaces; and clothing retainer means for retaining the clothing
proximate the body of the person; wherein the person is able to
mobilize the back while moving the back along the cylindrical,
radial surfaces of the device causing the device to roll while the
retainer means keeps the clothing from underneath the rolling
device as it rolls.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the device has a cylinder length
measured between the two ends and a cylinder diameter, wherein a
ratio of the cylinder diameter to the cylinder length is between
approximately 0.5 and 3.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the device is constructed of
plastic foam.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the device is constructed of
flexible plastic inflatable with pressurized air.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application No. 60/640,618 filed Dec. 31, 2004 by the present
inventor.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many people experience back pain. For some, this back pain
is a temporary condition is due in part to a lack of mobilization
of the back vertebrae and the associated muscles of the back. Those
who suffer this type of back pain often describe the condition as
stiffness in their back.
[0003] Many find relief from this condition by way of therapies
such as chiropractic therapies, and massage therapies. After
therapy, patients often feel an instant decrease in back stiffness
(e.g., an instant improvement in back mobility), and a
corresponding decrease in back pain. Many find this condition to be
recurring because of work related activities and the like. Therapy
is often repeated as needed by the patient.
[0004] Chiropractic therapies, massage therapies, and other
therapies are not always conveniently available when needed and
their costs can be prohibitive for some. Accordingly, several
apparatus and devices have been offered to consumers for
self-induced therapies or for therapies which can be applied by a
non-professional person including many apparatus and devices
designed for massaging the back. These devices include the
following:
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 2,221,785 by Douglas offers an apparatus
having operating handles and a plurality of weights. U.S. Pat. No.
3,616,794 by Gromala offers an apparatus having a shaft with
handgrips. U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,579 by Morini et al. offers a device
having a sharp-edged narrowed-portion formed by two truncated cones
and spherical ends. U.S. Pat. No. 3,750,654 by Shui offers a device
having flared end portions. U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,800 by Stilson
offers a device having spherical ends. U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,603 by
Yasui offers a device having an elongated spherical shape with a
sharp-edged groove and substantially sharp-edged ends. U.S. Pat.
No. 4,945,900 by Masuda offers an apparatus having a longitudinal
operating shaft. U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,687 by Powell et al. offers a
device having two elongated spherical-shaped containers with
protrusions. U.S. Pat. No. D264,625 by Shiu offers a device having
two ends formed as elliptical bodies of revolution. U.S. Pat. No.
D492,791 by Alexander offers a device having spherical ends.
[0006] The devices and apparatus cited above and other devices and
apparatus currently known suffer from one or more shortcomings when
used by a clothed person for the purpose of conveniently and
effectively mobilizing his or her back from the top of the buttocks
to the base of the neck. These shortcomings include creating
creases and the like in clothing during use, catching and
stretching of clothing during use, lack of adequate engagement of
the back when used near the shoulders, lack of axial stability when
used on common floor coverings, lack of roll path stability when
used on common floor coverings, inability to effectively mobilize
the back from the top of the buttocks to the base of the neck,
excessive pressure on the back during use, applying high pressure
directly to the spine and its associated soft tissues, rigid parts
proximate and thus potentially contacting sensitive back areas,
rigid edges that movably contact sensitive areas of the body at
high pressures and without visibility during use, sharp edges that
movably contact sensitive areas of the body at high pressures and
without visibility during use, making necessary compromises to
cater to multiple areas of the body or multiple purposes.
[0007] Therefore, for many sufferers of back stiffness, it is
desirable to develop a system for back mobilization that
conveniently and effectively mobilizes the back of a clothed person
from the top of the buttocks to the base of the neck while
overcoming the shortcomings inherent in current offerings.
SUMMARY
[0008] With the desire help of the many sufferers of back pain
caused by lack of mobilization, I have invented an improved device
and system for mobilization of the back. This invention was
developed to meet many objectives including:
[0009] A). providing a device that does not create creases and the
like in clothing during use;
[0010] B). providing a system that does not catch and stretch
clothing during use;
[0011] C). providing a device that adequately engages the back when
used near the shoulders;
[0012] D). providing a device that exhibits axial stability when
used on common floor coverings;
[0013] E). providing a device that exhibits of roll path stability
when used on common floor coverings;
[0014] F). providing a device that effectively mobilizes the back
from the top of the buttocks to the base of the neck;
[0015] G). providing a device that eliminates excessive pressure on
the back during use;
[0016] H). providing a device that does not apply high pressure
directly to the spine and its associated soft tissues;
[0017] I). providing a device that has no rigid parts proximate and
potentially contacting sensitive back areas;
[0018] J). providing a device that has no rigid edges potentially
contacting sensitive back areas;
[0019] K). providing a device that has no sharp edges potentially
contacting sensitive back areas;
[0020] L). providing a device that does not hinder its ability to
conveniently and effectively mobilize the back by making necessary
compromises to expand the usefulness of the device to multiple
areas of the body or multiple purposes; and
[0021] M). providing a device that can be initially manufactured
using readily available, low-cost supplies which allows one to
demonstrate commercial potential, thus increasing the likelihood of
one gaining funding for molding costs and minimum order cost
barriers.
[0022] The advantages offered from meeting each of these objectives
along with other aspects and advantages of the present invention
will be evident as details describing the present invention are
presented here forth. In meeting each of these objectives to help
the many sufferers of back pain caused by lack of mobilization, my
development efforts led to a system for facilitating convenient and
effective back mobilization of a clothed person. The system
comprises a rolling means for mobilizing the back, and a clothing
retainer means for retaining the clothing proximate the body of the
person. The person is able to mobilize the back while moving the
back along the rolling means causing the rolling means to roll
while the retainer means keeps the clothing from underneath the
rolling means as it rolls.
[0023] The present invention may also be embodied as a device for
facilitating convenient and effective back mobilization of a
clothed person. The device comprises a substantially cylindrical
body having two ends and two cylindrical, radial surfaces, wherein
the cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth
transitions into the ends proximate the cylindrical, radial
surfaces; and a channel of reduced radius approximately centered
between the ends of the cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical,
radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions into the
channel proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces.
[0024] The device has a cylinder length measured between the two
ends and a cylinder diameter, wherein a ratio of the cylinder
diameter to the cylinder length is preferably between approximately
0.5 and 3. The device is preferably constructed of plastic foam or
flexible plastic inflatable with pressurized air.
[0025] Additionally, the present invention may be embodied as a
system for facilitating convenient and effective back mobilization
of a clothed person. The system comprises a device for facilitating
convenient and effective back mobilization of a clothed person. The
device comprises a substantially cylindrical body having two ends
and two cylindrical, radial surfaces, wherein the cylindrical,
radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions into the ends
proximate the cylindrical, radial surfaces; and a channel of
reduced radius approximately centered between the ends of the
cylindrical body, wherein the cylindrical, radial surfaces make
substantially smooth transitions into the channel proximate the
cylindrical, radial surfaces. The system further comprises a
clothing retainer means for retaining the clothing proximate the
body of the person. The person is able to mobilize the back while
moving the back along the cylindrical, radial surfaces of the
device causing the device to roll while the retainer means keeps
the clothing from underneath the rolling device as it rolls.
[0026] The device has a cylinder length measured between the two
ends and a cylinder diameter, wherein a ratio of the cylinder
diameter to the cylinder length is preferably between approximately
0.5 and 3. The device is preferably constructed of plastic foam or
flexible plastic inflatable with pressurized air.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a font elevation view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the rear elevation view, the
top elevation view, and the bottom elevation view being identical
thereto.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the opposite side elevation
view being identical thereto.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an elastic strap having an adjustable,
quick-release buckle.
[0032] FIG. 5 shows a view of a clothed person using the preferred
embodiment of the present invention to mobilize their back.
[0033] FIG. 6 shows another view of the clothed person of FIG. 5
using the preferred embodiment of the present invention to mobilize
their back.
[0034] FIG. 7 shows a sectional view demonstrating one of many
alternative embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0035] The currently preferred embodiment 100 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The preferred embodiment is a
device for facilitating convenient and effective back mobilization
of a clothed person. The device comprises a substantially
cylindrical body 102 having two ends 104, and two cylindrical,
cylindrical, radial surfaces 106. The cylindrical, cylindrical,
radial surfaces make substantially smooth transitions 108 into the
ends proximate the cylindrical, cylindrical, radial surfaces.
[0036] The device further comprises a channel 110 of reduced radius
approximately centered between the ends of the cylindrical body.
The cylindrical, radial surfaces make substantially smooth
transitions 112 into the channel proximate the cylindrical,
cylindrical, radial surfaces.
[0037] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3
shows a sectional view of the device of FIG. 1. The section of FIG.
3 can be revolved about a level line through its center of area to
form the device of FIG. 1.
[0038] The device has a cylinder length measured between the two
ends and a cylinder diameter. The ratio of the cylinder diameter to
the cylinder length has been favorably tested between approximately
0.5 and 3 with the currently preferred ratio approximately 1. The
preferred length allows the device to move between the shoulders of
a user's back without disengaging the back in favor of the shoulder
blades. The length has been tested favorably between approximately
10.2 and 20.4 cm (between approximately 4 and 8 inches) with the
currently preferred length being approximately 15.24 cm
(approximately 6 inches). The combined width of the cylindrical,
cylindrical, radial surfaces has been tested favorably between
approximately 3.81 and 15.24 cm (between approximately 1.5 and 6
inches) with the currently preferred combined width being
approximately 7.62 cm (approximately 3 inches).
[0039] Examples of suitable material or materials used for
constructing the preferred embodiment include rubbers, plastics,
and foams. The currently preferred material for the preferred
embodiment is plastic foam, for example laminated EVA foam. The EVA
foam can be shaped using common foam manufacturing techniques
including laminating, molding, die-cutting and grinding. Also, the
cylindrical surface of the foam can be densified by heat molding to
improve durability.
[0040] The device can be solid as show in FIG. 3 or the device can
be hollow or partially hollow. For example, the device can be
constructed of an inflatable plastic having an interior that can be
filled with pressurized air.
[0041] It is very important to note that the preferred embodiment
has special, predetermined manufacturing characteristics as
described below.
[0042] Molding costs can be prohibitive to bringing a new product
to market. Therefore, the preferred embodiment has special,
predetermined manufacturing characteristics that allow one to
readily manufacture the device with relatively low-cost,
commercially available products.
[0043] Commercially available foam cylinders can be purchased and
easily cut to length using a knife and a wooden miter box. The
cylinders can then be shaped using an ordinary router and router
bits such as ordinary round-over bits and grooving bits. A wooden
jig can be constructed to hold the router in place and guide the
cut pieces of foam cylinder during routing operations.
[0044] Thus, the preferred embodiment of the present invention
allows one to begin production in a relatively low-cost manner.
This allows one to demonstrate the commercial potential of the
preferred embodiment before funding for molding is sought.
[0045] The importance of these inherent characteristics of the
preferred embodiment is noted herein considering many fine
inventions are never able to be appreciated by consumers due to
prohibitive molding costs and the like.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment also
includes a clothing retainer means 200 for retaining the user's
clothing proximate the body of the user of the device. The clothing
retainer means may be embodied as an elastic strap 202 coupled to
an adjustable, quick-release buckle 204. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
the elastic strap is sewn 206 onto the female part 208 of the
quick-release buckle. The elastic strap is then adjustably
connected to the male part 210 of the quick release buckle.
[0047] The clothing retainer means may be any system that allows a
user to retain the user's clothing proximate the body of the user.
Thus, the clothing retainer means may be embodied in many
alternative ways including as an elastic strap having a
hook-and-loop fastening system sewn thereon to allow the elastic
strap to be adjustably secured to the user's body.
[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a person using the preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The person secures the elastic strap
around his or her shirt in a advantageous location using the
adjustable buckle. Then, the person places the device between his
or her back and a floor. The person then gently arches his or her
back over the device and relaxes the back muscles. This gentle
arching and associated relaxation is done according the degree of
tolerance and according to the current degree of mobilization of
the user. Individual vertebra and muscle groups can thus be
mobilized and stretched. This process is can be repeated as the
user rolls the device from the top of the buttocks to the base of
the neck to mobilize the user's back. The user can also target any
desired area of stiffness. Other therapeutic movements are possible
such as gentle twisting of the users body.
[0049] By transferring weight to and from the user's arms and feet
as possible, the user's arms and feet can be used to vary the
pressure applied to the back from the device as needed.
[0050] The device can also be used against a wall instead of a
floor. This allows lighter pressure to be applied to the back.
[0051] The elastic strap and buckle allow the user to retain his or
her shirt to his or her body during use of the device. Without the
strap and buckle, the user's shirt may be caught under the device
as it rolls, thus impeding continued use of the device and also
causing stretching the shirt.
[0052] Important performance characteristics of the device are
noted herein. First, due to the profile of the device, no creases
and the like are created in the users clothing during use of the
device. Next, due to the elastic strap and buckle, the user's shirt
does not catch and subsequently stretch during use of the device.
Next, due to the inherent characteristics of the device such as the
width and ends, the device adequately engages the back when used
near the shoulders. Next, due to the radial, cylindrical surface,
the device exhibits axial stability when used on common floor
coverings such as various carpets. Next, due to the radial,
cylindrical surface, the device exhibits roll path stability when
used on common floor coverings such as various carpets. Next, due
to its unique combination of characteristics, the device can
effectively mobilize the back from the top of the buttocks to the
base of the neck. Next, due to its unique combination of
characteristics, the device can eliminate excessive pressure on the
back during use. Next, due to its groove characteristics, the
device does not apply high pressure directly to the spine and its
associated soft tissues. Next, due to its material and shape
characteristics, the device has no rigid parts proximate and thus
potentially contacting sensitive back areas. Next, due to its
unique combination of shape and material characteristics, the
device has no rigid edges that movably contact sensitive areas of
the body at high pressures and without visibility during use. Next,
due to its shape characteristics, the device has no sharp edges
that movably contact sensitive areas of the body at high pressures
and without visibility during use. Finally, the device has been
invented and optimized solely for the purpose of facilitating the
convenient and effective mobilization of the back of a clothed
person, and, therefore does not suffer from necessary compromises
made to expand the usefulness of the device to multiple areas of
the body or multiple purposes.
[0053] In general, devices and systems consistent with the present
invention provide an improved device and system for mobilizing the
back of a clothed person. The above detailed description enables
one skilled in the art of the present invention to make, use, and
thus experience the novel benefits of the present invention. It
will be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments,
modifications, and variations consistent with the present invention
are possible, and that practicing the teachings of the present
invention provided herein shall yield still further embodiments,
modifications, and variations of the present invention. For
example, FIG. 7 shows a sectional view demonstrating one of many
possible alternative embodiments 300 of the present invention. In
this alternative embodiment, the shape of the channel 310 has been
changed from the preferred shape illustrated in FIG. 3 to another
shape. The substantially smooth transition 308 from the
cylindrical, cylindrical, radial surfaces 306 to the ends 304 has
also been lessened in radius from the preferred embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1. The substantially smooth transition 312 from
the cylindrical, cylindrical, radial surfaces 306 to the channel
310 has also been changed.
[0054] Furthermore, the ratio of the cylinder diameter to the
cylinder length can be changed from the preferred ratio of
approximately 1. This is illustrated in FIG. 7 where the ratio has
been increased to approximately 1.5.
[0055] Furthermore, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 7 this
alternative embodiment is constructed of flexible plastic 314 of
the type that can be inflated with pressurized air 316 through a
self-sealing inflation valve 318.
[0056] Thus, as one can easily see, although the description above
contains many specificities, these should not be construed as
limiting the scope of the present invention but as merely providing
illustrations of the presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention. It is therefore critical that the scope of the present
invention should be defined strictly by the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *